Lucy Moss has always dreamed of opening a little shop in a small country town, and in 2015 she did just that. Mink and Me, a gift and homewares lifestyle store in Coonamble, is now in its 8th year of business and has quite the following for its fun combination of bright, unique, and affordable products.
TELL US A LIT TLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS MINK & ME AND THE MEANING BEHIND THE NAME.
Mink and Me is a gift and homewares lifestyle store in Coonamble, Northwest NSW. Based in a big old blue shed, we also share the space with a cafe Two Birds (which I own in partnership with local lady Row Macrae), a beautician, hairdresser, and a yoga studio, along with a hot desk office and community meeting/workshop space. So it’s basically a one-stop shop!
Mink and Me is a brick-and-mortar store that operates along with a website and a presence on the Buy from the Bush marketplace. Mink and Me offer a range of colourful and fun homewares, gifts, clothing, and accessories for both you and your home.The inspiration behind the name comes from my former longtime companion, my dachshund Minky who is now unfortunately deceased. Her legacy lives on.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN MINK & ME?
I had always dreamt of opening a little shop in a little town and after moving to Coonamble in May 2015 to live on my now husband’s family farm; I saw an opportunity and went for it. I opened a small space in October 2015 inside an existing business. There was a generation of younger people migrating back to Coonamble and limited spaces to shop, meet or hang out. I ultimately wanted to create a space where all of the above could happen. Naturally, the shop is now in its third premises as we have outgrown all previous. I am happy that we have created the vision we set out to do orinally.
WHAT MAKES MINK & ME UNIQUE? In a region full of little shops in little towns, creating a niche can be hard but I am constantly trying to find unique products to stock in our store and online, always with our customers and vision in mind. I think that we have created a bit of a following for our fun combination of bright, unique, and affordable products, it’s a massive range. A few years ago I travelled to Morocco and went on a shopping spree, bringing home a container load of amazing things. I like to support other small businesses and spend many hours scouring Instagram and the internet for unique products that fit our “vibe”. Since the beginning, we have always had a “collaboration is key” approach and have created a shared space that ultimately benefits every business involved. I have also incorporated events into our calendar and have teamed up with author and home cook Sophie Hansen from Orange to host three Long Lunches in Coonamble. A ll have been really well supported with last year hosting 250 guests, each event has been a sell-out! Many guests travel to attend which was not only great for us but for the whole town. WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Definitely, the outlet to express my creativity - I think that was something I was yearning for in my previous corporate career in grain marketing. I always had an overwhelming desire to express myself in something creative. Being your own boss also has its perks!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS?
If you have a dream of doing something you are passionate about, give it a go. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Continually upskill yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a mentor. Ask lots of questions!
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR MINK & ME IN 2023? I have recently employed my best friend and marketing guru, Eliza Walters, who is helping to keep me organized and push the business forward.I am also currently developing my own range of Christmas ornaments, so many fun designs and they are glitter central! Eliza and I also recently bought an old decommissioned church built in 1910, and a residence, five doors down from our shop. It’s such a cool space and we have got some fun plans in the pipeline.
We also own an Airbnb 'Peppertree House' in Coonamble, a beautiful big dreamy homestead. We have plans on doing some renovations inside the house this year. Our Long Lunch event is back this year too - same delicious food and good times, different author. This year Tassie-based writer Maggie Mackellar will be joining us to launch her book Graft, a novel reflecting on motherhood, farming, nature, and home.
Location: COONAMBLE | NSW
Website: minkandme.com.au
Instagram: minkandme
Facebook: mink and me